Many problems have a simple solution that has been lost to the ages. And the problem of moving large objects with a small car seems to be in that category. If you have a bulky (but not particularly heavy) object that needs to go from Point A to Point B, it’s often easiest to put the object on top of the car.

In some cases, you can simply put some padding on the object and securely tie it to the roof. But sometimes, you need a solid surface on which you can tie it down, and that’s where this kind of inexpensive roof rack comes in handy.  Back in the day, these were very common, and they could be found at any auto parts store or hardware store.   But at some point, they lost favor over more modernistic looking solutions, and when I set out to buy a pair locally, nobody knew what I was talking about.

If you do a Google search for what seem like relevant terms, you will get a dizzying array of options. It turns out that many brands of roof racks and car top carriers have cultlike followers, and many people spend hundreds of dollars on what should be a relatively simple concept.

I have a set of cross-bar roof racks similar to the ones shown here, and they do a perfectly adequate job of transporting small loads when the occasional need arises. As you can see from the picture, the concept is simplicity itself. Each of the two steel bars is supported by two bases that rest on the roof of the car. The whole assembly is held down snugly by two straps that hook on the side of the roof. The model shown here will fit virtually any car.  To use, you simply mount the racks on the car, place the item to be moved on top of it (perhaps covered up with a blue tarp), and tie it down using suitable rope.

I’ve made a couple of additions to mine. In the set that I bought (which is a different brand, but more or less identical), the two pipes forming each cross bar didn’t want to stay snugly in place. (They are adjustable so that you can make them fit any width of car.)  Since there were holes drilled in the two pipes, I simply added a bolt to keep them in place. I used an eye bolt, which gives the added advantage of giving another spot to tie down the load.

When installing these racks, you do need to pay some attention. You need to fasten down the straps extremely tight, and you need to check them periodically to make sure they aren’t coming loose.  I make a point of checking them right before leaving, checking them again after a mile or so, and then checking them occasionally whenever I stop.   Also, for larger loads, I secure them with additional ropes to the front and back of the car, or to other convenient tie down points.

A rack like this allows you to move many objects.  For example, you can easily bring home lumber or other building materials.  A rack like this is an excellent way to move a canoe, kayak, or small boat.  You can also move small pieces of furniture.  Readers of this blog, of course, might have occasion to move a console radio.  One time, I showed up at a seller’s house to pick up a console, and he insisted that it wouldn’t fit in my car.  Undaunted, I hoisted it onto the roof, tied it down, and was on my way in minutes.

Invariably, when people see these, they are amazed at the simplicity.  This small investment will add greatly to the utility of virtually any vehicle.  You can find them at Amazon at this link:

Note:  The links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that this site will earn a small commission if you buy a product after clicking the link.